Question

Identify the correct meaning of the given word:
Placate
A. To flatten out
B. To pacify
C. To annoy
D. To make sure

Answer 1

Hint: Placate is a transitive verb which means to appease especially by conciliatory gestures. Precisely, it can mean to stop someone from being furious or angry. For example: Sarah doesn't need Laxman to placate him anymore!

Complete answer:
Placate was first used in the late 17th century. The word is derived from the Latin word, placates and means to appease or to soothe someone from being angry. Usually the verb placate is used with an object. For example: To placate an ongoing riot.
Let us examine the given options to find the correct option
To flatten out- To flatten out is a phrasal verb, which means to flatten something. For example: Flatten out that dough a little more. Thus, option A is incorrect.
To pacify- To pacify means to calm someone down who is angry or furious on something/somebody. Therefore, the correct meaning of placate is to pacify someone or calm someone. For example: It was difficult for the police to pacify the crowd. Thus, Option B is correct.
To annoy- To annoy means to irritate someone repeatedly. For example: Don’t try to annoy him. Thus, Option C is also incorrect.
To make sure- To make sure is a phrase which means to check something to be sure about something. It can be used in situations wherein you want to double-check on something to be 100 percent sure. For example: He checked the cupboard to make sure whether he had locked it or not.

Hence, option B is correct.

Note: Placate is often confused with the word annoy as they both carry the word angry or furious in their definition. However, they have different meanings. Annoy means when a person is not happy with the current situation or irritated. Whereas, placate means to pacify someone who is angry.